Soda City, formerly the All-Local Farmers’ Market on Whaley Street, moved along the 1500 block of Columbia’s Main Street last October. The new market marks the first time since the early 1950s that a farmers market has operated in downtown Columbia. Emile DeFelice, founder of the All-Local Farmer’s Market, partnered with the city of Columbia and the City Center Partnership to both expand the market and attract people back to the downtown area. The Soda City Market has provided a historical and central location for the community to gather, while featuring nearly 50 different vendors each Saturday.

“Downtown is alive and thriving” Mayor Steve Benjamin said. “Anytime we can attract several thousand people to Main Street 52 weeks a year, it means the heart and soul of our city has turned the corner.”

Soda City takes place every Saturday 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., rain or shine. The open-air market features local vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meats, milk, eggs, cheese, as well as offerings by local artisans. For more information, visit www.sodacitysc.com.